Outlook accounts still have an option to send SMS as a Other Ways to Sign in?

win11freak · 2025-07-12T13:16:29-0400

As the subject says, does anyone think that this is a security concern?

I managed to setup my MS authenticator then my hardware Yubikey as a passkey but when I choose Other Ways to Sign in it still has the option to choose SMS...

antspants · 2025-07-12T19:26:30-0400

I add them all in Authenticator. (Except i)

But…

If you added your Outlook Account into MS Authenticator properly, it should have automatically provided the following option — Send sign-in notification.
In my opinion, it’s the simplest way to login to your account.
All you have to do, is open the app (Click on the notification) when a notification is sent to your phone and match the number that it shows on the screen

Screenshot 2025-07-13 at 9.22.26 am.webp

I add the rest of the options as a backup authentication option in case something goes wrong with other methods.
The only thing I don’t add is ”Passkey”

antspants · 2025-07-12T19:31:02-0400

Having said all that. Microsoft is taking away certain options from Authenticator, allegedly this month. That’s all I know and can tell you.

Watch this space …

TairikuOkami · 2025-07-13T01:38:57-0400

win11freak said:
but when I choose Other Ways to Sign in it still has the option to choose SMS...

Unlike in FB, where it is mandatory, it is an option, you can remove it.

win11freak · 2025-07-13T01:43:06-0400

The problem with using Send sign-in notification is that my phone is not constantly connected to the internet and I have no mobile data plan.

I left my settings to be using the Enter a Code by the authenticator app because that doesn't require internet connection and then use the Yubikey NFC as the passkey along with Windows Hello passkey on my laptop.

Plus, i have that Recovery Code as a backup stored in my password manager as well.

antspants · 2025-07-13T02:11:20-0400

win11freak said:
The problem with using Send sign-in notification is that my phone is not constantly connected to the internet and I have no mobile data plan.

I left my settings to be using the Enter a Code by the authenticator app because that doesn't require internet connection and then use the Yubikey NFC as the passkey along with Windows Hello passkey on my laptop.

Plus, i have that Recovery Code as a backup stored in my password manager as well.

Good plan

XxXxX · 2025-07-13T02:58:35-0400

i use an Authenticator browser extension for 2FA with my Hotmail and other sites
my mobile phone is old (2014) and doesn't do the internet

Authenticator - Chrome Web Store

Authenticator generates two-factor authentication codes in your browser.

chromewebstore.google.com

and this Authenticator also uses encrypted password protected backup that can be saved to the hard drive.

but i also have SMS (text) as a secondary 2FA if its required.
best of luck, Steve ..

Outlook accounts still have an option to send SMS as a Other Ways to Sign in?

win11freak

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antspants

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